Welcome

“A career in teaching appealed to me because I wanted to have a positive impact on the lives of the next generation, and as a St Lawrence Academy alumnus, I wanted to return to the academy and give back to the community, just as my own teachers had done for me.

I have worked at TSLA for five years; and in those years have witnessed students developing as a result of their educational experience and into young adults: our Church of England values, ethos focused on transforming every students’ life and a curriculum that extends beyond the classroom prepares every learner that passes through the academy for their future, and I have seen them develop into fantastic people.

At the academy, every day is different, and this is appreciated by staff and students alike. For me, I get my sense of satisfaction and reward out of the strong relationships I have built with my colleagues which allow for the sharing of resources, strategies and good practise, and the positive working relationships with students and their families, which allows us to all work together towards a common goal of securing the very best outcomes for students.

What makes the academy unique is the supportive and positive teaching environment, particularly the opportunities for professional development. With strategies and training prospects focused on behaviour, pedagogy and curriculum to name a few, the academy has provided a wealth of opportunities to support my development asa teacher and ensure I can get the best out of my students. I hope to continue growing and learning within my role, and in the future make a contribution to the well-being and development of my students; whilst making sure every student reaches their potential”.

“I joined TSLA amid the pandemic when school closures and working from home could have resulted in a difficult and stressful time. Instead, I experienced what I now know defines the TSLA community: a supportive, respectful and welcoming network of staff, who go above and beyond for not only students, but one another.

TSLA is a vibrant, great place to work. I enjoy working with students every day, building relationships and watching them learn – not solely academically, but on a personal level too. Within my role and the maths department, I enjoy the freedom and support I am given to nurture the amazing team of colleagues around me, to develop their knowledge as teachers, best support students and evolve myself as a leader. 

Our students benefit from a consistent and continuous supply of strong teaching, where they are supported and developed in every lesson. We utilise a wide range of resources and create strong working relationships, to enable all learners to make the best progress and secure their desired outcomes. 

My ambitions lie in developing the department to embed new schemes of learning and gaining the opportunity to dissect the strands of the subject and break them down to better understand fluency and misconception of how students learn. It is my aim to offer deeper learning opportunities for students to increase progress both academically and personally, so students are prepared for life beyond TSLA”.

“TSLA is a unique academy, where every staff member knows each student personally, enabling us to offer the correct level of support and style of learning to suit each student. Throughout my time here, I have appreciated watching students learn and grow both within the subject and personally, a particular highlight witnessing a student sell their first product to the general public at a trade fair which I have helped them prepare for, for months. For me, Business is an intriguing subject which provides students with the opportunity to study a curriculum area that they witness and engage with on a daily basis, and I hope to develop a passion and love for the subject in students that will take them further in their careers when they leave my classroom”.

“The word unique is used a lot when visitors describe the academy, and I feel this perfectly encapsulates why I come to work every day. From the learning spaces, welcoming environment and positive atmosphere to our inclusive and diverse school body, with a multicultural blend of students and staff.

As a previous student, it was never an option not to apply when a career opportunity arose. The key Christian values of Generosity, Respect, Truth, Justice and Forgiveness align with my professional and spiritual values which felt like a perfect match, and as a second-generation British Muslim, I am incredibly proud that I am able to use this to facilitate a positive platform for our academy community to merge with our local multifaith and cultural community.

I am now in my ninth year of working at TSLA, and throughout these years I have benefitted from a range of practical and innovative CPD opportunities to further both my career, and knowledge. The teaching environment evolves relentlessly, continually adapting to cater for the needs and learning styles of our students, thus another way that proves us to be unique and dynamic within the education sector.

So far, my highlight to date has been my role as House Leader, encouraging students to secure their college places and working alongside EAL students to break down barriers and provide them with equal opportunities as all other students. I look forward to using my role in the future to enrich the lives of not only students, but my other colleagues, to inspire them to be the very best they can be”.